Last updated: October 2026 · By Erdal Aydın, Amsterdam Property Renting

IJburg is a neighbourhood built on new islands in the IJmeer, east of the city. After a referendum in 1997 failed to stop it, Amsterdam raised Steigereiland, Haveneiland and the Rieteilanden from the water, followed by Centrumeiland and Strandeiland, where the first residents arrived in 2026. About 26,300 people live here, and in 2021 it had the highest share of children in Amsterdam: households average 2.3–2.4 persons, against well under two in the inner city.

Part of Amsterdam-Oost · All Amsterdam areas

IJburg in short

What it is like to live in IJburg

IJburg is a neighbourhood on islands, with the IJmeer, a city beach and the Diemerpark nearby. In the city’s 2021 research, 42% of households in IJburg and Zeeburgereiland had children, and at 27.5% the share of residents under 18 was the highest in Amsterdam. Residents rated the area 8.0 for child-friendliness.

The islands have different characters. Steigereiland has the Waterbuurt with floating homes and a mix of self-built houses. On Haveneiland, the shopping centre and the Saturday market are on the Joris Ivensplein. Centrumeiland has many self-build and collective housing projects. Strandeiland is under construction: the first residents arrived in February 2026 and about 8,000 homes are planned.

The same research showed points to improve: residents rated public transport, the choice of daily shops and culture below the city average. If tram 26 is disrupted, there is no other rail link; a free replacement bus runs instead.

Parks, markets and places to go

• Strand IJburg – the city beach, fully open in summer 2026. From 2027 about two thirds becomes a works site, probably until 2031; about one third stays public.
• Diemerpark – a large park next to the Rieteilanden, with a small sandy beach.
• Reuring market – on Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00 on the Joris Ivensplein, with quality and organic products.
• Theo van Goghpark – the park on Haveneiland, which also gives its name to a tram stop.
• Tagorepark – the first park on Strandeiland, opened in June 2026, with BMX tracks, sports fields and play areas.
• Waterbuurt – the floating homes on Steigereiland.

Getting around: train, metro, tram and bus

Tram

Tram 26 is IJburg’s link to the city. It runs from Centraal Station via the Piet Hein Tunnel and Steigereiland to Haveneiland, Centrumeiland and, since 31 August 2026, Strandeiland. According to the city, the trip from Centraal to Strandeiland takes less than 25 minutes. Trams run about every 6–10 minutes on weekdays. The former terminus is now called Theo van Goghpark.

Bus

Since 29 March 2026, bus 49 runs to Strandeiland in the evenings and at weekends as well, with connections towards Weesp. During tram disruptions, a free replacement bus runs.

Train and metro

There is no train or metro station on IJburg. For trains, take tram 26 to Centraal Station or bus 49 towards Weesp.

Bike and car

Bridges connect IJburg with Zeeburgereiland, Diemen and, via the Nesciobrug, Watergraafsmeer.

Homes in IJburg

Most homes were built after 2000. In 2021, 42% of homes in IJburg and Zeeburgereiland were larger than 100 m², and the share of A and B energy labels was the highest in the city. IJburg-West has a relatively large private rental sector; on Centrumeiland, most homes are owner-occupied.

On Strandeiland, housing associations plan 600 social rental homes (due 2027) and 350 flex homes for young people, status holders and key workers. With the target of about 20,000 homes for IJburg as a whole, the neighbourhood will keep growing for years.

Renting out your home in IJburg

Many households here are families. Larger homes with good energy labels earn more points; we check the points before we advertise, to see whether a free-sector rent is possible.

Holiday rental is limited to 30 nights a year. Average WOZ values are close to the €637,000 threshold, so if you bought after 1 April 2022 we check per address whether the buy-to-let protection applies.

Looking for a home in IJburg

IJburg suits families who want a larger home near the water. Before you sign, try the commute on tram 26 at rush hour, and check the distance to the nearest school and shop. Ask whether the home has its own parking space and storage for bikes.

IJburg: frequently asked questions

Is IJburg a good place to live with children?

Many families think so: in 2021, 42% of homes were larger than 100 m², and in the city’s research residents rated the area 8.0 for child-friendliness. Public transport and shops are rated lower.

How do I get from IJburg to Amsterdam Centraal?

Tram 26 runs from all the islands to Centraal Station, about every 6–10 minutes on weekdays. During a disruption, a free replacement bus runs.

Can you live on Strandeiland yet?

Yes. The first residents arrived in February 2026 and tram 26 has served the island since 31 August 2026. Most of the planned 8,000 homes are still to be built.

Is there a beach on IJburg?

Yes, Strand IJburg. It was fully open in summer 2026; from 2027 about two thirds of it becomes a works site, probably until 2031.

Are there international schools on IJburg?

We know of no international school on IJburg. The AICS campuses are in Amsterdam-Zuid and Zuidoost.

Nearby neighbourhoods

Watergraafsmeer · Amsterdam-Oost · Amsterdam-Zuidoost

Sources for the figures on this page

• Allecijfers: IJburg-West
• Allecijfers: IJburg-Zuid
• Allecijfers: IJburg-Oost
• O&S Gebiedsanalyse IJburg/Zeeburgereiland 2022
• NH Nieuws: tram 26 to Strandeiland
• NH Nieuws: Strand IJburg works from 2027
• NH Nieuws: social and flex homes on Strandeiland
• GVB Jaarplan Vervoer 2026 (network 2026)
• AT5: public transport changes 29 March 2026
• Gemeenteblad 2025 nr. 552274: buy-to-let protection 2026